If you teach a man to fish...

Today we worked with Global Peace Initiative, an organization that tackles hunger and agricultural sustanability in Indeianapolis and the surrounding area. The founder of Gloabal Peace Initiative, Linda Proffitt, has spent the last five years building the organization from the ground up. Coincidentally, That is where we started as well. Today we worked at the Marion Fair Grounds raking, shoveling and moving compost and soil. Here, Linda's organization produces all-natural, fertile soil that is used to grow food for the hungry. But it doesn't stop there. Global Peace Initiative also gives people the  skills to grow their own food and be self-sustaining. 

Though our tasks seemed to have no direct impact on the community, the work we did today will allow Global Peace Initiative to help many. Working with Linda is a truly rewarding experience. She exudes her passion, and her passion is helping people. How much she cares for the community is echoed in everything she says and does. You can't help but want to further her cause. More than her community service efforts, she has imparted us with so much wisdom. Most of all, I will take away that it is good to help people for a day, but it is better to help people help themselves for a lifetime. 

Ellen Herbig

Day 2 - Global Peace Initiatives - Francis Ahrens

Here are some photos that were taken during the day. 

Photo 1: Missouri State students Boun Sengsapreuth and Ellen Herbig are digging rows of potential compost for Global Peace Initiatives. 

Photo 2: Missouri State students Mary Keathley (left) and Alex Johnson (middle) had the opportunity to work with students from Southern Methodist University from Dallas, Texas. The three were working on making compost bags that can potentially be distributed to community members to make sustainable gardens. 

Photo 3: Missouri State students and Southern Methodist University were working on making rows for potential compost piles. 

Photo 4: Grad student Brett McKnight (left) and Aubrey Snedeker (right) talk to Linda Proffitt while working at Global Peace Initiatives. 

Global Peace Initiatives: Day 2 - Makaila Schieber

     Today we worked with Linda Profitt at Global Peace Initiatives. The group was divided into several groups to accomplish tasks including creating rows of compost piles that will become distributable soil for the people of Indy, moving wood pallets for the future theatre stage at Peaceful Grounds, and removing nails from old boards that will be recycled for future projects. Everyone came in with a great attitude and jumped right into the manual labor set before us. I think everyone is still feeling the side effects:) 

     Peaceful grounds works to not only grow food to be distributed to the community, but they provide education to people about how to start their own gardens and grow their own food. I learned so much about sustainability today and the work that Global Peace Initiatives does is truly inspiring. As Linda told us this morning, while it may take some time to assign everyone a task, once everyone has a task, magic will happen. I am glad to say that magic really did happen. Our accomplishments today saved Linda two months of work. Everything that Global Peace Initiatives achieves is done through the power of volunteering. We were thrilled to be a part of it. 

     I am also happy to share that our group has completely bonded already, giving ourselves the title of "Dream Team." Tomorrow we have another great day with Linda and we are all excited to learn more about sustainability. I can't wait to see what we have in store for Day 3!!!!

-Makaila Schieber

ready to have fun!

We just arrived! I am super excited to start this journey and learn new things! The ride up here was crowded but fun! I can't wait to go to the three different sites and work with all new people. I am excited to get to know everyone on this trip and create memories together! 

Mary Keathley 

We have made it! - Savanna Stanley

We just arrived to the church in Indy! The church is beautiful and I already know that this sweet is going to be so fun. I am excited to work with the agriculture of the schools garden and spend time volunteering. I am excited to see what activities we will be doing this week and I hope we can make a positive experience on Indy! 

- Savanna Stanley 3/9

Pre-Indy Anticipation - Emily Cassimatis

This past week I have been getting more and more excited for the upcoming break. Although I was added late to the group, and was totally confused as to what was happening for a couple days, I couldn't be more ready to go! I think what I am looking forward to the most on this trip is getting to know the people I am traveling with. We all come from different backgrounds and are different ages with different majors. I love the opportunity to meet new people and make new connections across the university!

Pre-Indy Excitement - Clay Stacy

The things that I am excited for the most would be to bond with all the people that are going on the trip. I love communicating with new people and cant wait to create new friendships. Another thing that I am excited for is to gain more experience helping people. I love community service and giving back to people is something that I cherish out of life. I cant wait to get this trip going and being on the road.